BMW introduced this car in 1998. Since it's introduction, the 3-Series BMW has been one of the most desirable junior executive saloon's in the world, and this fourth generation three is no exception. Although the overall style has changed little from generation to generation, the latest model always makes the outgoing car look like old hat.
The 3-Series has grown up somewhat since it's inception, becoming less of a sporting saloon and more of a small executive car. Purists decry this, thinking that the 3-Series has lost it's way, but BMW knows what it's customers want and gives it to them.
The 328i has a 2.8 litre straight six engine, which is mounted longitudinally and powers the rear wheels. Consequently the handling is excellent and it goes like stink! Lesser models come with smaller versions of the 6-cylinder engine or with a 1.9 litre four. My Mother has a 1999 318i version of this car, and it is a delight to drive, although not as quick as the 328i! Much cheaper to insure though.
UT made this model of the 328i 4 door, and it is quite a good model overall. UT are now defunct (they were taken over by Gateway Global in 1999, the parent company of AUTOart, and the brand was killed off) but as of the time of writing this (Sept. 2002) it is still possible to find this model available through many 1:18th retailers. While it is not as good as subsequent Kyosho versions of this generation 3 series (Coupe, Convertible, Compact, M3) it is quite a good model overall. Kyosho have not yet made a 4 door version, so the UT version remains the only one to get (apart from a poor version made by Welly). The front headlights don't look quite right to me and there was glue residue on the top of them (under the bonnet edge). Also, the rear BMW "badge" (in fact a decal) was poorly applied and came away shorty after I got this model. A similar decal on the steering wheel fell off while I was taking these photos! On the plus side, the paintwork is very good and the overall proportions and stance of the model are spot on. The wheels look great too. It gets a decent 7/10 marks from me.
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